INDYCAR to Race on Streets of Washington, D.C. for Freedom 250

New race added to 2026 schedule as part of 250th anniversary celebration of the United States

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

INDYCAR has announced a new race called the Freedom 250 that will take place on the streets of Washington, D.C. on August 23, 2026. The race is being added to the schedule as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States. The event was made possible after President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of the Interior and Department of Transportation to designate a suitable race route that showcases iconic national monuments.

Why it matters

This new INDYCAR race in the nation's capital is a significant event that will bring motorsports to the heart of the country during a major milestone anniversary. It represents an opportunity to showcase the sport and the city to a national audience, while also providing an economic boost to the Washington, D.C. area.

The details

The Freedom 250 will be an 18th race added to the 2026 INDYCAR schedule and will air on FOX. Most of the grounds will be free admission for spectators. INDYCAR had discussed a Washington, D.C. race last year but the planning did not progress far enough. However, a push to be part of the 250th anniversary celebration led to the race being announced after President Trump's executive order. The course route has not been finalized yet, but the order directs the Departments of Interior and Transportation to designate a suitable route showcasing iconic national monuments.

  • The Freedom 250 is scheduled for August 23, 2026.
  • President Trump issued the executive order on January 30, 2026 to enable the race.

The players

Roger Penske

President, Corporation Founder and Chairman of INDYCAR.

Eric Shanks

CEO of FOX Sports, which will air the Freedom 250 race.

Graham Rahal

INDYCAR driver who expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of racing in Washington, D.C.

Santino Ferrucci

INDYCAR driver who carries the Homes For Our Troops sponsorship and sees the race as an opportunity to support veterans and law enforcement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a really amazing time for us as a company to support the 250th anniversary for the country. And there's no better way for us to bring automotive and speed into the D.C. area and to have the opportunity to be able to compete here with our INDYCARs.”

— Roger Penske, President, Corporation Founder and Chairman of INDYCAR

“Big shout out to [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy. This project was kind of on life support, until you stepped in recently and it got us here today. [Interior] Secretary Doug Burgum, your team has been absolutely incredible.”

— Eric Shanks, CEO of FOX Sports

“If we got to go race in Washington, it would be awesome, particularly in the National Mall. One of my favorite things to do is go to the National Mall and walk around at night and see what it's all about and understand history.”

— Graham Rahal

“Supporting our veterans and all of our law enforcement, all of those people, and getting that opportunity would be really big.”

— Santino Ferrucci

What’s next

The Department of the Interior and the Department of Transportation have been directed to designate a suitable race route that showcases iconic national monuments, and to issue all necessary permits, approvals, and authorizations as expeditiously as possible to plan, prepare for, and conduct the race.

The takeaway

The addition of the Freedom 250 INDYCAR race in Washington, D.C. as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States represents a unique opportunity to bring motorsports to the heart of the nation's capital and showcase the sport to a wide audience during a significant milestone event.